Leavenworth adjusts traffic restrictions for Village of Lights Festival

LEAVENWORTH – Leavenworth has made adjustments to its traffic restrictions for the Village of Lights festival to improve traffic flow and ensure public safety.

The traffic restrictions were put in place this year to ensure clear routes for emergency vehicles during Village of Lights: Christmastown festival. The plan was put together by a collaboration of the City of Leavenworth, Chelan County Fire District #3, Chelan County Public Works, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Emergency Management, Cascade Medical, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

During the first weekend of the festival, a "no left-turn" restriction from North Road onto Chumstick Highway led to traffic congestion, business disruptions, and unsafe U-turns as drivers attempted to return to downtown Leavenworth.

“Each agency shared its feedback and perspective on the efficacy of the joint public safety measures implemented over the past weekend. After the individual agency debriefs, the group collectively discussed potential improvements and/or proposed changes to the temporary parking restrictions and traffic revisions,” said City of Leavenworth Communications Manager, Kara Raftery.

In response to these concerns, the traffic control plan has been adjusted. The "no left-turn" restriction from North Road onto Chumstick Highway will be removed, and instead, flaggers will control traffic at the intersection on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additional signage will be placed along Main Street in downtown Peshastin, and North Road and County Shop Road will be changed to local access only on Saturdays. Flaggers will also direct traffic from Fir Street onto Chumstick Highway, and Cedar Street from Burke Ave to Fir Street will be closed on Saturdays.

Parking restrictions remain the same on Pine Street from Fir Street to Ski Hill Drive, Ski Hill Drive from Evans Street to Pine Street, Evans Street from Ski Hill Drive to US-2, and Commercial Street from Division Street to 14th Street. No parking on either side of the listed streets is permitted Friday through Sunday.

Additionally, Ninth Street and the turn lanes from US-2 onto Ninth Street, both east and westbound, will be closed Friday through Sunday.

The agencies involved in the planning process plan to make adjustments accordingly.

“We do hear their concerns and complaints, and they're not falling on deaf ears. We're going to try to do everything we can to improve public safety while not creating more hazards and issues for people…We’re still looking for alternatives and looking for ways to make this plan better, but we needed to take action in the interest of public safety,” said Deputy Fire Chief Mike Smith.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media